Olympian presents at ENMU

Correspondent

U.S. Olympian and former NFL receiver Johnny Quinn, a Texas native, gave a motivational presentation Wednesday evening at Eastern New Mexico University.

johnny Quinn

Quinn opened the presentation with a funny story about how a photograph he took of a door he broke through in Russia during the 2014 Olympics.

Quinn explained that he was locked in the restroom and was left with few other choices, but he did not expect it to gain as much social media traction as it did.

Quinn followed up this light-hearted story with a video of his bobsled team on a course in Switzerland where they wrecked at almost 80 miles per hour, according to Quinn. After the wreck, Quinn said he had three options, and that everyone has these three options — to blame others, quit or collaborate and work together and find a way to get the job done.

"There is a reward at the end. There is a reward so much greater that the struggle through the process," said Quinn.

Quinn detailed his bad luck when trying to play professional football, and how it ultimately led to bobsledding.

"It was an unexpected opportunity, but I was ready," said Quinn.

Quinn told the audience to ask themselves if they were ready for unexpected opportunities. Quinn discussed the fact that he was 30 years old when he became an Olympian, an age that many in athletics would describe as old, according to Quinn.

"I wish I could put into words what it's like to have USA on your uniform and jacket," said Quinn when he described his moments of success.

The presentation ended with an opportunity for attendees to meet and take a picture with Quinn while he and his wife gave audience members autographed photographs of the bobsled team.

Director of Campus Life Draco Miller said he was able to find and book Quinn within about a three-week time frame. Miller also said that Leadership Education And Development (LEAD) ENMU was the organization responsible for getting Quinn to Eastern.

"We have three speakers per semester. During the fall semester we have a professional development dinner and during the spring semester, we have a leadership awards banquet," said Miller as he highlighted what LEAD ENMU does for the students.

Adilene Adame, 21, said she came to the presentation as a member of Student Senate, but the presentation made her think about her future.

"I am an athlete, so this made me really think about my future. It was more than I expected," said Adame.

Aaron Flores, 20, also came as a part of an organization and said the speaker exceeded his expectations.

"It went far beyond my expectations. Far better that the other speakers this semester," said Flores.